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New York Times bestselling author and journalist Anderson Cooper teams with New York Times bestselling historian and novelist Katherine Howe to chronicle the rise and fall of a legendary American dynasty—his mother’s family, the Vanderbilts.

When eleven-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt began to work on his father’s small boat ferrying supplies in New York Harbor at the beginning of the nineteenth century, no one could have imagined that one day he would, through ruthlessness, cunning, and a pathological desire for money, build two empires—one in shipping and another in railroads—that would make him the richest man in America. His staggering fortune was fought over by his heirs after his death in 1877, sowing familial discord that would never fully heal. Though his son Billy doubled the money left by “the Commodore,” subsequent generations competed to find new and ever more extraordinary ways of spending it. By 2018, when the last Vanderbilt was forced out of The Breakers—the seventy-room summer estate in Newport, Rhode Island, that Cornelius’s grandson and namesake had built—the family would have been unrecognizable to the tycoon who started it all.

Now, the Commodore’s great-great-great-grandson Anderson Cooper, joins with historian Katherine Howe to explore the story of his legendary family and their outsized influence. Cooper and Howe breathe life into the ancestors who built the family’s empire, basked in the Commodore’s wealth, hosted lavish galas, and became synonymous with unfettered American capitalism and high society. Moving from the hardscrabble wharves of old Manhattan to the lavish drawing rooms of Gilded Age Fifth Avenue, from the ornate summer palaces of Newport to the courts of Europe, and all the way to modern-day New York, Cooper and Howe wryly recount the triumphs and tragedies of an American dynasty unlike any other.

Written with a unique insider’s viewpoint, this is a rollicking, quintessentially American history as remarkable as the family it so vividly captures.

Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty is a captivating saga that chronicles the extraordinary journey of the Vanderbilt family, one of America's most prominent and influential families. Written by the renowned journalist and television personality Anderson Cooper, this book offers a comprehensive and intimate look into the lives of the Vanderbilts, spanning several generations and shedding light on their triumphs, tragedies, and enduring legacy.

Beginning with the patriarch, Cornelius Vanderbilt, the book delves into his humble origins as a Staten Island ferry operator and traces his rise to becoming one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the United States. Vanderbilt's shrewd business acumen, coupled with his relentless drive and determination, transformed the transportation industry and revolutionized the way Americans traveled. The narrative vividly portrays Cornelius Vanderbilt's unwavering ambition and his impact on the nation's infrastructure.

As the Vanderbilt family expanded and diversified their business interests, they accumulated immense wealth and social prestige. The book explores the extravagant lifestyles of the Vanderbilts, their grand mansions, and their lavish parties that became synonymous with American high society. However, beneath the veneer of opulence, the family faced its share of personal struggles, including marital discord, scandals, and tragedies. Anderson Cooper masterfully weaves these intricate stories together, providing a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of the Vanderbilts' triumphs and tribulations.

Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty delves into the family's significant contributions to American culture and philanthropy. The Vanderbilts were ardent supporters of the arts, education, and medical research, leaving a lasting impact on institutions such as Vanderbilt University and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Yet, the book also exposes the darker side of their legacy, including their involvement in unethical business practices and their disregard for the plight of the working class. Cooper presents a balanced perspective, allowing readers to form their conclusions about the family's complex legacy.

Throughout the book, Anderson Cooper draws upon extensive research, including personal interviews, archival documents, and historical records, to provide a deeply informed and engaging narrative. Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty is a captivating read that offers valuable insights into the evolution of American wealth, power, and privilege. It is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, family dynamics, and the enduring influence of wealth and legacy.